Method to print multicolor images on edible pieces

ABSTRACT

Multicolor image, formed from at least two component images, are printed on non-planar surfaces of edible pieces by maintaining registration of the pieces from one printing station to another. The registration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to the transporting surface by applying a pressure differential, by a combination of a pressure differential with a resilient surface, or by trapping the pieces between a retaining member and a recess portion.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a method of printing images ontoedible pieces. Most preferably, this invention relates to the method offorming multicolor images on non-planar surfaces of confectionery andpharmaceutical pieces/tablets. The invention also relates to anapparatus for practicing the method of the invention and to edibleshaped pieces having a multicolor registered composite image on anon-planar surface thereof.

[0003] 2. Related Background

[0004] Many edible items (“pieces”) have a sugar shell outer coating.Such outer sugar shells serve many functions, including preserving theinner ingredients and presenting an attractive exterior. Further, theouter sugar shell can serve as a substrate on which an image or designis formed. Such images or designs can be, for example, an identifyingtrademark such as the “M” on M&M's® Chocolate Candies pieces, or marksto identify the inner ingredients in the case of drugs or dietarysupplements.

[0005] Many methods are known to form a one-color design on to an ediblepiece. U.S. Pat. No. 3,052,552, for example, describes a method ofprinting chewing gum slabs prior to the slabs being cut into sticks ofindividual gum pieces.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,047 describes a method of imprinting shapesof multiple colors inside confectionery products by partially fillingand solidifying a confectionery material in a mold, dispersing edibleink onto the solidified mixture through an etched plate, and filling theremainder of the mold with confectionery material.

[0007] It would be desirable to form multicolor designs on surfaces ofedible pieces, particularly non-planar surfaces, at high productionspeeds. Multicolor designs are conveniently produced by the applicationof a sequence of images, each image being a single color. The cumulativeeffect is of a multicolor image or design. Such multiple applications ofimages require that each applied image be in registry with thepreviously applied images and with any subsequently applied images toachieve the desired composite image. Images applied out of registry willresult in smearing, skewing, overprinting, or other erroneous and faultyresults.

[0008] Many multicolor printing methods are known in the graphic artsfor non-food products. These methods include relief printing,stamp-printing, offset printing, pad printing, flexographic printing,gravure printing, inkjet printing, and silk-screen printing. Directtransfer of such methods to multicolor printing on edible pieces,however, is difficult—particularly for printing onto non-planarsurfaces. The handling of edible pieces entails different considerationsfrom the handling of paper or polymer sheets. Generally, edible piecesrequire more careful handling to prevent damage or misshaping of thepieces. Further, handling food generally require higher cleanliness.

[0009] Methods are known to perform multiple printing onto large solidarticles such as bottles and other storage cylinders. U.S. Pat. No.3,335,658 describes a machine that conveys individual articles, on adisk or endless band, through printing stations and drying stations thatare placed at specific distance increments that are not evenly divisibleinto the periphery distances of the disk or endless band. U.S. Pat. No.3,735,699 describes an apparatus that applies rolling contact between anarticle held by a mechanical holder and intermediate belt or rollers.The belt or rollers transfer images onto the contacted, mechanicallyheld article. U.S. Pat. No. 4,519,310 describes transferring a pluralityof ink onto the outer periphery of a single ink form roller, pressing acylindrical container against the ink form roller, and rotating thecylindrical container to transfer the ink images onto the cylindricalcontainer. The above patents are incorporated by reference herein.

[0010] Methods are also known to form multicolor images on large fooditems such as cakes and cookies. U.S. Pat. No. 4,578,273 describes amethod of printing by forming a hard, nonporous icing surface andprinting one or more edible inks onto the hard surface of the icing.Each piece is manually placed onto a moving mandrel for printing by apan flex printer. U.S. Pat. No. 4,670,271 describes a food imprintingcassette that transfers an edible coloring material to food whenpressure from a stylus is applied to the flexible transfer sheet onwhich is the coloring material. U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,281 describes amethod of making printed foods with a rotary printer that issynchronized with a dough-forming apparatus such as a rotary cutter orrotary molder. U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,775 describes a cake decoratingsystem incorporating a traveling arm extending over the cake surface tocarry a colorant cartridge with a drop on demand colorant expulsionsystem under the control of a central processor. A multiple orifice dropon demand colorant expulsion system allows one pass three colorprinting. The above patents are incorporated by reference herein.

[0011] Other methods are known to form multicolor designs onto flatsheet surfaces of confections. International Patent Publication No. WO97/16075 describes multicolor printing onto flat sheets of bubble gumsituated in a recess having dimensions larger than that of the flatsheets of bubble gum. A guide rail is used to laterally shift the bubblegum sheets against a common side of the recess before printing, but nomeans are provided to prevent longitudinal shifting, skewing or yawingsince the recesses are larger than the bubble gum. It is indicated thata vacuum system inside the apparatus could be used to remove excessstarch that falls between the slats of the conveyor bed and that, whilededusting, this vacuum would help hold the gum sheets on the conveyor.However, there is no disclosure or suggestion of a shaped pocket thatpositions an edible piece in a predetermined position, both laterallyand longitudinally without skewing or yawing, and that includes anopening in communication with a vacuum that maintains the registrationof an edible shaped piece between a first printing station and a secondprinting station.

[0012] The methods presently available for printing multicolor imagesonto edible pieces, and particularly onto non-planar surfaces of ediblepieces, are limited in their production rates. Multicolor printing onindividual pieces require an alignment of each piece within thegeometries of each printing step. Such alignment is known asregistration. Multicolor printing requires registration in manydirections. Further, unlike printing onto flat planar surfaces, printingonto non-planar surfaces requires an added registration alignment inregard to the contour of the non-planar surface. The piece must not beallowed to rock, yaw, or skew from one printing station to the next.

[0013] Generally, in mass production the multitude of pieces are movedin relation to the usually stationary print station. Many methods areknown to transport pieces, as described in the above patents. U.S. Pat.No. 5,836,243, incorporated by reference herein, describes a pelletconveyor made up of a plurality of carrier bars each having a surfacedefining a plurality of pockets. A brush is described that facilitatesseating of the pellets in the pockets.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,892, incorporated by reference herein,describes an apparatus for conveying and marking pellet-shaped pieces byutilizing two printing heads positioned along an arcuate transfer pathabout a transfer drum so as to apply single color indicia to oppositesides of the pellets. U.S. Pat. No. 5,423,252, incorporated by referenceherein, describes a capsule or tablet (article) printer in which avacuum is applied below a transporting belt to vacuum holes provided inarticle receiving pockets. In one embodiment, a first printing unit 110prints on one side of the article, and another printing unit 110 printson a second side of the article. However, there is no disclosure ofapplying a vacuum at and between the first and second printing units,registering the printing between the first and second sides of thearticle, or of the particular vacuum holes or carrier bars.

[0015] Most designs that incorporate component images to form, incombination, a multicolor composite image, require registration in manydirections besides the longitudinal direction of movement of the pieces.There must be registration transverse to the longitudinal movementdirection to prevent images being inadvertently offset. There also mustbe registration in the third coordinate orthogonal to the longitudinalmovement direction and the transverse direction. Finally, particularlyimportant for non-planar surfaces, there should be registration inregard to any of three rotational orthogonal axes centered at eachpiece.

[0016] The above described methods generally require that the individualpieces be mounted in a fixture or holder that mechanically fixes eachpiece in registration. The manually aligned methods are too slow formass production rates except for food items made at low throughput suchas cakes.

[0017] The above mechanical attachment methods also require complexcomponents that can become misaligned, broken, or jammed at highproduction speeds. Further, many food items are delicate and notamenable to such mechanical forces that may be needed to maintainadequate registration of printing at high production speeds.

[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,534,281 produces baked goods at moderateproduction rates by utilizing the inherent stickiness or tackiness ofthe dough, which must sufficiently adhere to the continuous web conveyorin order to ensure no relevant movement between the dough and the web,for proper alignment and registration with the printing apparatus.Methods that rely on the tackiness of the individual pieces or of theconveying belt are limited in their production speed because the variousproduction steps must be carefully controlled to avoid breaking theadhesive bond between the individual pieces and the conveying belt.Further, the production speed is constrained by diametrically oppositeconsiderations with regard to the stickiness of the adhesive bond.Higher printing speeds require higher levels of stickiness, but higheroffloading speeds require lower levels of stickiness. In other words,higher stickiness holds the pieces in position more firmly to allowhigher throughput in printing but higher stickiness prevents the piecesfrom being released quickly after their being printed. Thus, the abovemethods are incapable of multicolor printing onto surfaces of ediblepieces, particularly onto non-planar surfaces of edible pieces, at highproduction speeds.

[0019] Presently, at high speed mass production, designs applied tonon-planar surfaces of edible pieces are limited to one-color designs(or multiple independent designs that can be of different colors, butare unrelated to each other) because it is very difficult to applyconsecutive images in registry to non-planar surfaces of edible pieces.That is, after the application of one image, the piece shifts or movesbefore the application of the next image, thereby causing the images tobe out of registry. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide amethod to form multiple images in registry onto surfaces of ediblepieces, and particularly onto non-planar surfaces of edible pieces, athigh production rates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] This invention prints multicolor images, formed from at least twocomponent images, on surfaces of edible pieces by maintainingregistration of the pieces from one printing station to another. Theregistration is maintained by firmly securing the pieces to thetransporting surface by, for example, applying a pressure differentialand/or by applying a mechanical trapping of the pieces to a transportingrecess.

[0021] This invention is directed to a method to form multiple images insubstantial registration on edible pieces, by the steps of i) forming animage on a surface of an edible piece to form a printed piece at a firstprinting station, ii) transporting the printed piece to a secondprinting station and maintaining a registering relationship of theprinted piece from the first printing station to the second printingstation by applying a pressure differential to a portion of the pieceeffective to maintain the printed piece in a set position in atransporting recess; and iii) forming a second image on the printedpiece while maintaining the registering relationship. In a preferredembodiment of this invention, the multiple images in substantialregistration are formed on at least one non-planar surface of the ediblepieces. In yet another embodiment of this invention, the printed pieceis maintained in the set position against a resilient portion of thetransporting recess.

[0022] Yet another embodiment of this invention is directed to a methodof forming multiple images in substantial registration on edible pieces,by the steps of i) forming an image on a surface of an edible piece toform a printed piece at a first printing station; ii) transporting theprinted piece to a second printing station and maintaining a registeringrelationship of the printed piece from the first printing station to thesecond printing station, by trapping the printed piece between a portionof a transporting recess and a retaining member; and iii) forming asecond image on the printed piece while maintaining the registeringrelationship. Preferably, the printed surface of the edible piece isnon-planar.

[0023] Another embodiment of this invention includes an apparatus forprinting a multicolor image formed from at least two component images onat least one surface of a multitude of edible pieces. The apparatusincludes a first printing station effective to print a first componentimage on a surface of the pieces at a first printing position and asecond printing station effective to print a subsequent second componentimage on the surface of the pieces at a second printing position. Atransporting surface moves the edible particles from the first printingposition to the second printing position. The transporting surfaceincludes a plurality of transporting recess portions, each recessadapted to accept a single edible piece. Preferably the recess portionsare adapted to receive a shaped piece having at least one non-planarsurface. Each transporting recess portion includes an opening whichcommunicates with a vacuum source. A reduced pressure is applied to theopening effective to hold the piece in position to maintain aregistering relationship of the first component image and the secondcomponent image on the surface of the piece. In a particularly preferredembodiment each transport recess includes a resilient portion. Theresilient portion in cooperation with the reduced pressure retains thepiece in the transporting recess portion in a set position duringtransport from the first printing station to the second printing stationto maintain a registering relationship of the first component image andthe second component image.

[0024] Still another embodiment of this invention includes an apparatusfor printing a multicolor image formed from at least two componentimages on at least one surface of a multitude of edible pieces thatincludes a first printing station effective to print a first componentimage on the surface of the pieces at a first printing position and asecond printing station effective to print a subsequent second componentimage on the surface of the pieces at a second printing position. Atransporting surface for moving the edible pieces from the firstprinting position to the second printing position includes a pluralityof transporting recess portions. There is at least one retaining memberfor each transporting recess portion effective to removably trap theedible piece in the transporting recess portion to maintain aregistering relationship of the first component image and the secondcomponent image. Each transport recess portion is adapted to accept asingle edible piece, and more preferably a single edible piece having atleast one non-planar surface.

[0025] This invention is also directed to an edible shaped piece havinga multicolored composite image formed from at least two component imagesof edible printing inks deposited on at least one non-planar surface ofthe edible shaped piece. Particularly preferred edible shaped piecesinclude shaped confectionery pieces and pharmaceutical capsules, capletsand tablets. More preferably, the edible pieces of this invention arelentil, oval, spherical, or the like shaped confectionery, mostpreferably sugar shell coated confectionery such as for example, M&M's®Chocolate Candies pieces, Skittle® candies and the like.

[0026] As used herein, shaped edible piece means an edible piece that isnot substantially in the form of a sheet. Such a piece may have planarsurfaces, non-planar surfaces or a combination of planar and non-planarsurfaces. It is an object of the present invention to include methods ofhandling and transporting shaped edible pieces which present technicalchallenges as compared with the handling and transporting of sheet-likepieces.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the shaped edible pieces of the presentinvention have at least one non-planar printing surface. A non-planarsurface, as used herein, is any surface having a radius of curvature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028]FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0029]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0030]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0031]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0032]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0033]FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of this inventionhaving two printing stations.

[0034]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0035]FIG. 8A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0036]FIG. 8B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0037]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0038]FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0039]FIG. 11A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0040]FIG. 11B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0041]FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment ofthis invention.

[0042]FIG. 13 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0043]FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0044]FIG. 15 is a schematic view of an embodiment of this invention.

[0045]FIG. 16 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of thisinvention.

[0046]FIG. 17 is a schematic top view of the embodiment of thisinvention illustrated in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] The method of this invention forms composite images, composed ofat least two component images, on edible pieces by maintaining theorientation of each piece from one printing station to another printingstation effective to substantially form each component image inregistration to each other. The registration of each component image ismaintained by causing each piece to remain in a constant orientationwith respect to the surface that transports the pieces from printingstation to printing station. The orientation of the pieces to thetransporting surface is fixed by firmly securing each piece to a recessportion of the transporting surface.

[0048] As described above, multicolor printing refers to the formationof an image (a composite image), which can be, for example, graphic,type, or mixture of type and graphic, from a sequence of componentimages. Each component image can also be graphic and/or type and eachcomponent image can be a different color, the same color, a differenthue, or a different value of a color. Each component image can be formedfor example from lines, dots, solid colored areas, varying color densityareas, or mixtures.

[0049] Generally, as is the practice in the flat sheet printing arts,each composite image in multicolor printing corresponds to one “color”.However, in special design circumstances, a component image can itselfbe formed from more than one color. For example, a printing station canform a component-image from a inkjet head that deposits two or morecolors. Nevertheless, as used herein, “multicolor” refers to formingcomponent images from at least two printing stations; the two colorinkjet head example being considered as one printing station. Thus,printing three colors by forming two component images using two printingstations, one being a two color inkjet head station, is contemplated bythis invention. However, it is preferred that each printing station beone color because such single color printing allows faster productionrates than use of multiple-color printing heads.

[0050] Each component image is formed by a process referred to asprinting. Production of printed edible pieces in a typical high speedmass production process can be described schematically by a sequence ofprocesses. The edible pieces may be first formed by processes known inthe art or by processes not yet developed. Then the pieces aredispersed, generally according to a conveniently designed plan, in orderto present each piece to the printing processes. In particular, thepieces are dispersed onto a transporting surface that carries the piecesas they receive the component images. Each component image is formed, ata printing position, as the pieces pass through a printing station.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 6, an apparatus 606 of this invention is shownschematically. A first printing station 601 and a second printingstation 602 are shown. A transporting surface 603 is shown for movingedible pieces (not shown) from first printing station 601 to secondprinting station 602. First printing station 601 prints a firstcomponent image on the edible pieces at a first printing position 604,while second printing station 602 prints a second component image on theedible pieces at a second printing position 605. Transporting surface603 maintains a registering relationship of the first component imageand the second component image. It is apparent that other printingstations can be conveniently added to provide for more component images(more “colors”). Further, it is apparent that the edible pieces must bemaintained in registration from first printing position 604 to secondprinting position 605, although this registration may be maintained fromany point prior to first printing position 604 and subsequent to secondprinting position 605, as desired.

[0052] Preferably, the first component image dries prior to printing thesecond component image. Drying time and drying conditions may be alteredto suit the requirements of different printing methods or images.Methods of altering the drying time or drying conditions include,without limitation: changing the speed of the conveying apparatus;changing the volume of air (or other gases) to which the pieces areexposed during drying; changing the condition of the air to which thepieces are exposed during drying (for example, its relative humidity andtemperature); and changing the distance between printing stations.

[0053] Although the invention is described by at least two printingstations and a transport surface effective to maintain the registrationof the images formed at each printing station respectively to eachother, this invention includes holding the transport surface stationaryafter having the edible pieces distributed on it while the printingstations are moved to print the component images. Thus, the transportingsurface can be, for example, a batch processing surface having receivingrecesses of this invention for the edible pieces. After loading therecesses with the edible pieces, the printing stations are brought tosequentially print the component images on the edible pieces. Inaddition, both the transport surface and the printing stations may bemoveable so long as a registered relationship is maintained from thefirst printing position to the second printing position.

[0054] An aspect of this invention is that the pieces maintain a fixedorientation with the transporting surface from one printing station toanother printing station in order to maintain registration of eachcomponent image. With the pieces maintaining an orientation with thetransporting surface, the registration would depend on the precision ofthe transporting surface, which is more easily controlled than themovement of a multitude of pieces.

[0055] Registration of a composite image formed from at least a firstcomponent image and a second component image is generally measured asthe distance the first component image is off from its designedplacement in the composite image relative to the second component image.It is preferable that the registration be maintained at better than{fraction (1/64)}″ (0.40 mm), more preferably better than {fraction(10/1000)}″ (0.25 mm), most preferably better than {fraction (2/1000)}″(0.05 mm). By better than {fraction (1/64)}″ (0.40 mm), it is meant thatone component image is within {fraction (1/64)} (0.40 mm) of an inchfrom its designed placement on the edible piece relative to anothercomponent image. In the case of a skew error, the distance is measuredat the maximum displacement from the designed placement. A determinationof registration error requires printing of at least two component imagesand measuring the maximum displaced distance of one component imagerelative to another component image.

[0056] It is apparent that the amount of registration error that isacceptable depends on the design and on the size of the edible piece.The registration must be maintained to a higher standard to form, forexample, a two color whimsical face on Mini M&M's® Chocolate Candiespieces, which are about 9.3 mm in diameter, than to form aproportionately larger two color whimsical face on M&M's® Peanut Candiespieces, which are about 14.4 mm in their smallest dimension.

[0057] It will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that smaller orlarger size shaped edible pieces may be used as desired.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 13, an example of a composite image 1300 isshown formed on a lentil confectionery piece 1305. Composite image 1300is composed of a first component image 1302 and a second component image1303 printed on a background 1301. In this example, component image 1302is a black image while second component image 1303 is a white image.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 14, a composite image 1400 is shown formed on alentil confectionery piece 1405. Composite image 1400 is composed of acomponent image 1402 and a second component image 1403 printed on abackground 1401. In this example, component image 1402 is a black imagewhile second component image 1403 is a white image.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 15, a composite image 1500 is shown formed on alentil confectionery piece 1505. Composite image 1500 is composed of acomponent image 1502 and a second component image 1503 printed on abackground 1501. In this example, component image 1502 is a black imagewhile second component image 1503 is a white image.

[0061] It is apparent that the colors of the above component images aredetermined by the edible ink that is used. It is well known in the artwhich inks can be utilized to effect the desired properties of, forexample, color, hue, intensity, and opacity.

[0062] One embodiment of this invention maintains the orientation of theedible pieces with the transporting surface by providing recessesadapted to receive the edible pieces and firmly maintaining the piecesin the recess by applying a reduced pressure in an opening in therecess. Thus, the pieces are firmly secured in the recesses by a vacuumor reduced pressure applied to the pieces.

[0063] Another embodiment of this invention maintains the orientation ofthe edible pieces with the transporting surface by providing recesses,having resilient portions, adapted to receive the edible pieces andfirmly maintaining the pieces in the recess by applying a reducedpressure in an opening in the recess. The resilient portions conform tothe edible piece contour. Thus, the pieces are firmly secured in therecesses by a vacuum or reduced pressure applied to the pieces.

[0064] The printing of each component image can be by any convenientprinting process such as, for example, offset printing, flexographicprinting, inkjet printing, or stamp pad printing. Stamp pad printingoffers a higher definition than the other printing methods but at muchreduced production rates. Offset and flexographic printing are preferredbecause of their lower costs and higher production rates. However, asdescribed below, inkjet printing is preferred for pieces with softer orrougher surfaces.

[0065] The edible pieces used in the method of this invention can be anyconvenient edible shaped article such as, for example, candies, nuts,cookies, vitamin tablets, pharmaceutical tablets, capsules, caplets,panned confectioneries, pressed confectioneries, confectionery lentilpieces, rice, beans, pasta, pet food nuggets, pet food biscuits, icecream, and the like. Preferably the edible pieces have a non-planarsurface upon which the composite image is printed.

[0066] The methods of this invention allow for the printing ofregistered composite images onto edible pieces at high production rates.It is preferred that the production rate be at least 200,000 ediblepieces per hour, more preferably 400,000 edible pieces per hour, andeven more preferably 500,000 edible pieces per hour. The productionrates above are expressed in terms of total output. The production ratemay also be expressed in terms of pieces per hour per lane, in amulti-lane machine. In a preferred embodiment, the production rate ispreferably at least 1,000 pieces per hour per lane, more preferablygreater than 10,000 pieces per hour per lane, and most preferablygreater than 50,000 pieces per hour per lane.

[0067] In an offset printing process, the image is first formed as anengraved negative image on an etched roll. The etched roll is inkedeffective to transfer an ink positive image to a rubber roll. The inkimage is then transferred to the receiving surface by firmly contactingthe ink image to the receiving surface. When using an offset printingprocess, the receiving surface of each edible piece should besufficiently firm (readily determined by one in the art) to accept theprinting rubber roll without damage. Thus, for edible pieces having asoft or crumbling surface—such as, for example, cookies, baked goods, orchocolate nuggets—it is preferred that a hard shell such as a candyshell encase the piece. Other edible pieces are manufactured in a veryfirm state and thus can be printed by offset printing without a coating.Such edible pieces include, for example, dry pasta, raw dry rice, drybeans, and pharmaceutical capsules, caplets and tablets. Ice creams areoften made with a frozen coating sufficiently firm to act as a receivingsurface for offset printing.

[0068] In a stamp printing process, images are formed as a raisedsurface-on a stamping pad. Ink is applied to the raised surface and theimage is transferred to the receiving surface by firmly pressing theraised surface against the receiving surface. In this process, thereceiving surface generally needs to be more firm, readily determined byone in the art, than that firmness required for offset printing.

[0069] In the pad printing process, similar to offset printing process,ink is applied to a negative etched image. The inked image istransferred in positive image form to a resilient surface print pad thatprints onto a receiving surface.

[0070] In an inkjet printing process, ink is applied as a stream of inkparticles or aerosols directly on to a receiving surface. Thus, an imagecan be formed on soft or crumbling surfaces because no contact is madeother than by the jet of ink.

[0071] Nevertheless, in utilizing a vacuum or a pressure differential tomaintain the position of an edible piece with respect to thetransporting surface, the edible piece should be of sufficiently lowporosity, readily determined by one in the art, to respond to theapplied pressure differential to firmly press, set or fix the ediblepiece against the transporting surface.

[0072] Referring to FIG. 1, a conveying substrate 100 is shown incross-section transverse to the direction of conveyance. Substrate 100is supported on base 103. Substrate 100 includes a plurality of recesses101 adapted to accept edible pieces (not shown). Recess 101 includes atleast one opening 102 providing communication with at least one chamber104. Chamber 104 contains reduced pressure supplied by a vacuum pump(not shown) through at least one vacuum access opening 105.

[0073] Substrate 100, ie. the transporting surface, can be composed ofany convenient suitable material such as, for example, metal, polymer,plastic, composite, or ceramic. Substrate 100 can be any convenientshape such as, for example, an endless belt, a disk, a ring, or a pinbed. Substrate 100 can be formed from a plurality of convenient elementssuch as, for example, flat bars, or scalloped edged flat plates.Further, each element can include one or more recess portions. Forexample, a moving substrate is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,146,incorporated herein by reference.

[0074] A seal (not shown) may be between elements to assist inmaintaining the reduced pressure in chamber 104. Such seals can beformed, for example, by machining the elements to close matingtolerances, by positioning gasket material between the elements, bypositioning sealing material to bridge the gap between the elements,e.g., see FIG. 7, and by disposing a suitable liquid, semi-liquid, orelastomeric material between the elements.

[0075] Substrate 100 can be moved by any convenient method (not shown)well known in the art such as, for example, by stepping motors,continuous motors, or servo controllers acting on the substrate directlyor through any of gears, pulleys, chains, or sprockets; including asshown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,146. Generally, the movement of thesubstrate is coordinated with the printing stations. Such coordination(not shown) can be achieved utilizing any convenient method such as, forexample, through any of gears, pulleys, chains or sprockets. Suchcoordination is described for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,146.

[0076] Base 103 can be composed of any convenient material such as, forexample, metal, polymer, composite, or ceramic. Base 103 can be of anyconvenient shape and can include one or more supports 107, or plenumdividers, to assist in maintaining the shape of substrate 100 againstthe pressure differential across the substrate. Supports 107 canoptionally include one or more slide elements 108 to facilitate movementof substrate 100 relative to base 103. Slide element 108 canconveniently be a slippery polymer such as a polyfluorinated polymer ora nylon. Slide element can also be any convenient mechanical elementsuch as, for example, roller bearing, ball bearing, oiled bronze runner,or smooth metal. Supports 107 can optionally include one or moreopenings 109 to facilitate distribution of reduced pressure throughchamber 104.

[0077] Optional seal 106 assists in maintaining a reduced pressure inchamber 104. It is preferable to include seal 106 to minimize pumpcapacity requirements. Seal 106 can be any convenient seal such as, forexample, a nylon portion, an interlocking geometry, and the like. Seal106 also serves as a sliding element.

[0078] Recess 101 can be any convenient shape effective to accept aconvenient piece substantially in a consistent orientation. Such shapescan conveniently be in correspondence with the shape of the edible pieceto be accepted. The recesses may also be shaped so that edible piecesmay be positioned laterally, longitudinally and rotationally within therecesses in a predetermined position, and also aid in preventing skewingand yawing of the edible pieces. However, recess 101 can have a shapesubstantially different from the shape of the edible piece to beaccepted in order to facilitate the receiving of the edible pieces fromthe input feeding station onto the substrate. Such shapes are described,for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,146, 5,768,996, 5,836,243, and5,655,453, each incorporated by reference herein. Other examples ofrecesses are shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

[0079] The recesses utilized in this invention preferably allow thesurface of the edible piece, and particularly a non-planar surface ofthe edible piece, to be above the surface proximate to the recess—thatis, the printing should be performed “proud” as opposed to printing in“relief”. Thus, the depth of the recess should be less than thethickness of the edible piece, measured from the printing surface of thepiece, in order to allow the surface to protrude and be proud inrelation to the surface proximate to the recess. Such proud printingadvantageously presents more of the non-planar surface of the piece tothe printing process. Thus, a larger portion of the non-planar surfaceof an edible piece can be printed as compared to relief printing wherethe non-planar surface, or a portion thereof, of the edible piece isbelow the surface proximate to the recess.

[0080] The vacuum or pressure differential can be provided by anyconvenient method such as, for example, by utilizing a vacuum pump, anda transverse airflow across the vacuum holes (the Bernoulli effect).

[0081]FIG. 16 is an exemplary illustration of an overall conveyingsystem that includes an endless loop L comprising, for example, aplurality of carrier bars attached to a chain that is entrained about aseries of sprockets S. A hopper H contains a plurality of shaped ediblepieces that are received within transporting recesses formed in each ofthe carrier bars as the loop L travels along a clockwise directionindicated by arrow A. The upper run of the loop L includes threeprinting units 1-3 that print registered images on the pieces as theypass below. After printing, the edible pieces are dropped into a bin B.

[0082] The printing unit 3 may be formed as part of a module M that canbe readily removed from the loop L by shortening the chain and removinga set number of carrier bars. Conversely, additional modules M can beadded by lengthening the chain and adding carrier bars.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a first vacuum pumpVI controls the pressure at and between each of the printing units 1-3.A plenum system is provided below the printing stations 1-3. A vacuumpressure P1 is applied to first and second portions of the plenumimmediately below the first and second printing units 1, respectively.Preferably, the pressure P1 is higher than vacuum pressure P2 applied toa third portion of the plenum system between the first and secondprinting units 1 and 2. A valve system can be used to create differentpressures using a single vacuum pump. The vacuum pressure P1 is higherthan the vacuum pressure P2 because the edible pieces tend to adhere tothe printing roll of the printing units 1 and 2. For example, the vacuumpump V1 can be a 6-8 hp motor having a capacity of 300-400 cfm,depending on the type of piece being conveyed. The vacuum pump V2 canform a part of the module M and may be a 5.5 hp motor having a capacityof 240 cfm, depending on the type of piece conveyed. The vacuum pump V2may be smaller than the vacuum pump V1 because the vacuum pump V1supplies vacuum pressure below printing units 1 and 2 as well as betweenthose units, whereas the vacuum pump V2 supplies vacuum pressure only tothe third printing unit 3 as well as between printing units 2 and 3.

[0084]FIG. 17 shows an exemplary plan view of the vacuum system, alongwith a carrier bar CB shown alongside. Each plenum positioned below theprinting roll of each printing unit is subject to vacuum pressure P1 andhas a width approximately equal to or less than a width of the carrierbar CB. The plenums associated with the printing rolls extend transverseto the traveling direction of the loop L, column-wise in FIG. 17. Bycontrast, in a preferred embodiment, a plurality of sub-plenums arepositioned between the printing units, which are subject to vacuumpressure P2, and extend along the traveling direction of the loop L,row-wise in FIG. 17. Preferably, a row is provided for each recess Rwithin the carrier bar CB. As shown in FIG. 1, adjacent row orientedplenums may communicate with one another via holes 109 in the supports107.

[0085] In FIG. 16, printing is performed on only one side of the ediblearticles. However, printing on both sides of the edible pieces is alsowithin the scope of the present invention. For example, Ackley's U.S.Pat. No. 5,878,658, incorporated by reference, discloses a ramp feederincluding a two-sided printer for tablets and capsules that may be usedwith the ramp feeder shown in FIG. 16.

[0086] In particular applications, where a pressurized processing stepmay be required between applications of images, the pressuredifferential can conveniently be provided by the difference between theraised pressure and atmospheric (or lower) pressure. Nevertheless, it ispreferable to supply reduced pressure to assure that the pieces arefirmly secured to the recesses.

[0087] As described above, the action of the vacuum or pressure on theedible pieces is formed by positioning the edible piece between a volumeof higher pressure and a volume of lower pressure effective to firmlyurge the edible piece against a transporting surface. This pressuredifferential is formed by any convenient method such as, for example,providing at least one opening in a transporting surface effective toprovide access from a volume of higher pressure to a volume of lowerpressure. By positioning an edible piece over at least one such opening,the force arising from the pressure differential is applied to theedible piece, urging the piece in the recess against the transportingsurface.

[0088] Printing processes that utilize contact of a printing surface tothe receiving surface subject the receiving surface to a force thattends to urge the receiving surface towards the printing surface as theprinting surface moves away from the receiving surface after printing.Such urging is caused by the ink that is momentarily between thereceiving surface and the printing surface, and by the resilience of theprinting surface. The ink acts as a bonding medium between the twosurfaces to urge the receiving surface towards the printing surface; therebound of the resilient printing surface is transferred to the printingsurface to urge the receiving surface in the same direction as therebounding printing surface.

[0089] Therefore, less force is needed to maintain the position of theedible piece while the edible piece is between printing stations thanduring the printing operations at the printing stations. Thus, oneexample of this invention provides added vacuum at the printing stations601 and 602, particularly at printing positions 604 and 605, to minimizethe reduced-pressure supply requirements. That is, less reduced-pressureis applied to the edible pieces when the pieces are not at the printingpositions. Such pressure allocation can be by any convenient method wellknown to one in the art such as, for example, by ducting, by baffles, byadded pumps, or by volume differentiation.

[0090] The recesses can also be formed in detachable elements that canbe fixed to a transport surface. Referring to FIG. 3, an element 300 hasa recess 301 adapted to accept an edible piece 320. At least one opening302 provides communication to reduced pressure provided by correspondingopenings on a transport surface (not shown). The element can be mountedto the transport surface by any convenient method such as, for example,bolts, screws, clamps, or adhesives.

[0091] In one example, element 300 is shown in cross-section transverseto the longitudinal direction of transporting the pieces to the printer.In this example, element 300 is preferably substantially long in thedirection into the paper and can be described as a slat or bar. Element300, when formed as a slat, preferably contains a multitude of recesses301. The slat can be mounted or removed by a quick release mechanism asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,630,499, incorporated herein by reference.FIG. 3 shows optional mounting holes 312 through which element 300 canbe selectively attached and detached to corresponding threaded holes inthe transport surface.

[0092] Element 300 can also, in another example, be described by FIG. 3as a cross-section taken in the longitudinal direction of transport. Inthis case, a multitude of elements 300 are preferably mounted in a rowacross the transverse direction.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, an element 400 shown in cross-sectiontransverse to the longitudinal direction of travel, has a recess 401adapted to accept an edible piece 420. At least one opening 402 providescommunication to reduced pressure provided by corresponding openings ona transport surface (not shown). Optional mounting holes 412A and 412Ballow mounting of element 400 to the transport surface. In this case,element 400 is formed to allow mounting hole 412A of one element 400 tooverlap mounting hole 412B of another element 400′ (not shown), therebypresenting a substantially contiguous surface having a regulardistribution of recesses 401 for situations where it is desirable topresent a planar array of edible pieces, such as in batch processeswhere the printing stations are moved in relation to the array ofpieces.

[0094] In situations such as, for example, an endless belt, theoverlapping geometry of the left and right sides of element 400 canprovide a seal to minimize vacuum pump requirements.

[0095] Recesses 401 are adapted to facilitate loading of pieces 420.Pieces can be dropped from a hopper and urged to the proper positionrelative to the recesses. Methods to distribute pieces to a consistentposition in an array are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,433,146,5,768,996, 5,863,243, 5,655,453, and 5,630,499. Such urging can be alsoinclude any convenient method such as by vibrating, brushing, or by theaction of a designed geometry of the hopper and the receiving transportsurface. After piece 420 is in the proper position, vacuum is applied tofirmly secure piece 420 to element 400.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, an element 700 shown in cross-sectiontransverse to the longitudinal direction of travel, has a recess 701adapted to accept an edible piece 720. At least one opening 702 providescommunication to reduced pressure provided by corresponding openings ona transport surface (not shown). A tongue 712B mates with a groove 712Ato provide vacuum seals between a multitude of elements 700 to bearrayed on a transport surface. Elements 700 can be affixed to transportsurface by magnetic attraction by applying a magnetic field to thetransport surface with a magnetic coil (not shown). Recess 701 hasresilient portions 721, or O-rings, that assist in maintaining ediblepiece 720 in position. Resilient portions 721 conform to the contour ofedible piece 720 and assist in maintaining the reduced pressure appliedto edible piece 720.

[0097] It is preferable that the openings that provide communication toreduced pressure be positioned to urge the piece into the properposition relative to the recess.

[0098] Recesses having resilient portions can also be formed directly onthe transport surfaces. As described above, such resilient portions canbe formed from rubber, urethane, teflon, nylon, and the like.

[0099] In another embodiment, the edible piece is positioned in a recessthat includes a surface portion formed from a resilient material.Referring to FIG. 2, a conveying substrate 200 is shown in cross-sectiontransverse to the direction of conveyance. Substrate 200 is supported bysupports 203. Similar to that of FIG. 1, supports 203 can optionallyinclude slide elements 208. Substrate 200 includes a plurality ofrecesses 201 adapted to accept edible pieces (not shown). Recess 201includes at least one resilient portion 244 formed from a resilientmaterial. Recess 201 also includes at least one opening 202 thatprovides communication to a reduced pressure. In this example, a volume224 provides reduced pressure to opening 202. Volume 224 has a reducedpressure that can be provided from any convenient source (not shown)such as, for example, a rotary vacuum pump and a reciprocal vacuum pump.

[0100] Resilient portion 244 can be formed by any convenient method suchas, for example, coating a surface portion of recess 201 with aresilient layer. The resilient layer can be conveniently formed from,for example, rubber, silicone, elastomer, and the like. Resilientportion 244 can also be formed by one or more inserts 204 made from athe same or similar resilient materials as recited above.

[0101] As with recess 101 discussed previously, recess 201 can be anyconvenient shape effective to accept a convenient piece substantially ina consistent orientation.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 5, an element 500 includes a recess 501 adaptedto receive an edible piece 520. A resilient portion 502 forms aresilient surface portion of recess 501. A mounting flange 512 allows amultitude of elements to be mounted on a transport surface 513 providedwith corresponding mounting flange receiving grooves. The elements canbe fixed to the receiving grooves by set screws or tangs (not shown). Atleast one opening 524B on element 500 communicates with at least oneopening 524A on transport surface 513. Reduced pressure is suppliedthrough openings 524A and 524B to firmly maintain the position of ediblepiece 520 in relation to element 500.

[0103] In another example, referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of slatelements 1000 are shown in cross-section transverse to the longitudinaldirection of transport. Slat element 1000 has a recess 1001 adapted toreceive edible piece 1020. Recess 1001 includes a porous resilientportion 1002. Recess 1024B in communication with opening 1024A intransport surface 1013 allows a reduced pressure in volume 1004 to beapplied to edible piece 1020 through porous resilient portion 1002 tomaintain a position of edible piece. 1020 to element 1000.

[0104] As described above, the non-planar surface of the edible piececan be positioned above the transporting surface. In one embodiment, thepiece is raised prior to printing. Referring to FIG. 11A, an elementshown, in this example transverse to the direction of transport,includes a recess 1101 adapted to receive an edible piece 1120. Recess1101 includes at least one opening adapted to embrace sleeve 1122.Sleeve 1122 includes at least one opening 1124 to allow reduced pressurefrom a volume 1104 to be applied to edible piece 1120. Sleeve 1122 movesin response to contour or cam surface 1130.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 11B, contour surface 1130 can urge sleeve 1122upwards to raise edible piece 1120 from the surface of element 1100.Sleeve 1122 should be prevented from pivoting by, for example, shapingthe sleeve and receiving opening appropriately with corners, or flanges(not shown). Optionally, guides, rollers, and slides can be providedbetween sleeve 1122 and contour surface 1130.

[0106] In another example, the sleeve is lowered to provide access tothe non-planar surface above the transport surface. Referring to FIG.12, a multitude of elements 1200 are shown in cross-section in thelongitudinal direction of transport (the pieces are moved from left toright). Element 1200 includes a recess 1201 adapted to receive an ediblepiece 1220. Recess 1201 includes at least one opening adapted to receivea sleeve 1222. Sleeve 1222 includes at least one opening 1224 thatprovides communication to a reduced pressure in a volume 1204. Thereduced pressure applied to edible piece 1220 maintains a position ofedible piece 1220 to element 1200. The action of a contour surface 1230is shown causing sleeve 1222 to lower as the contour surface moves awayfrom the element 1200. A seal 1206 assists in maintaining a pressuredifferential across the edible piece and minimizes the capacityrequirements for the source of reduced pressure (not shown).

[0107] In yet another embodiment, the edible piece is positioned in arecess and held in the recess mechanically by a retaining plate orretaining fingers. Referring to FIG. 8A, a conveying substrate 800 isshown in cross-section transverse to the direction of conveyance. FIG.8B shows a plurality of substrates 800, 800′, 800″, and 800′″.Substrates 800, 800′, 800″, and 800′″ are interconnected by hinges (notshown) to form an endless belt. Substrate 800 is supported by supports803. Similar to FIG. 1, supports 803 can optionally include slideelements 808. Substrate 800 includes a plurality of recesses 801 adaptedto accept edible pieces 820. A retaining plate 830 includes a retainingmember 831 that holds edible piece 820 against recess 801 in a fixedposition. Retaining plate 830 includes at least an opening 832 to allowaccess to edible piece 820 by a printing station (not shown).

[0108] When retaining plate 830 is urged against edible pieces 820,edible pieces are firmly held in position in recess 801. The urging ofplate 830 against edible pieces 820 can be by any convenient method suchas, for example, by holddown fingers 840 connected to cam followers 841.As cam followers 841 ride over an appropriate contour (not shown) forceis applied or released to the holddown fingers. Force is applied betweenprinting positions effective to maintain registration of the appliedcomponent images. Other methods for urging plate 830 against ediblepieces 820 can be, for example, utilizing electromagnetic actuatorsbetween the retaining plate and the transport surface, applying springpressure between the retaining plate and a surface above (looking atFIGS. 8A and 8B) the retaining plate, and applying a spring pressure topull retaining plate towards the transport surface, allowing the weightof the retaining plate to exert against the edible pieces.

[0109] Retaining plate 830 can be any convenient shape such as, forexample, an open web, and an articulated series of plates. Retainingplate 830 can include any convenient number of retaining member 831.Retaining member 831 can be the inner circumferential contour of opening832. Retaining member 831 can be formed from a separate material fromretaining plate 830 or can be formed from a portion of retaining plate830. Retaining member 831 can be a series of channels, guides, or plackssituated to trap the edible pieces against the recesses.

[0110] Optionally, recess 801 includes at least one surface portion 804that is resilient. Resilient portion 804 assists in maintaining theposition of the edible piece in the recess by adapting to variations inthe shape of the edible piece and minimizes damage to the edible pieceby cushioning the edible piece in the recess.

[0111] The edible pieces can also be held in position by retainingmembers without a retaining plate. Referring to FIG. 9, an element 900Ais mounted to a transporting surface 900B. Element 900A includes arecess 901 adapted to receive an edible piece 920. A retaining member931 pivots on a pivot 933 to hold edible piece 920 once edible piece isin position. Retaining member 931 is shown, in this example, pivoting inresponse to an actuator 935. Other convenient methods can be used tomove the retaining member to trap the edible piece firmly in thetransporting recess such as, for example, by electromagnetic actuators,and by a spring force responsive to a position sensor.

[0112] Optionally, recess 901 includes portions 904A and 904C that canbe resilient, as described above for 804. Further, optionally, retainingmember 931 can also include resilient portion 904B.

[0113] The transporting surface can be held stationary in each of theabove examples while the printing stations are moved to print thecomponent images sequentially. Further, the printing stations and thetransporting surfaces can be all moved relative to each other and/orrelative to the earth so long as the registered relationship of thepiece is maintained.

[0114] Other variations and modifications of this invention will beapparent to those skilled in this art after careful study of thisapplication. This invention is not to be limited except as set forth inthe following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A method to form multiple images in substantialregistration on shaped edible pieces, said method comprising the stepsof: forming an image on a shaped edible piece to form a printed piece ata first printing station; transporting the printed piece to a secondprinting station and maintaining a registering relationship of saidprinted piece from said first printing station to said second printingstation by applying a pressure differential to a portion of said printedpiece effective to maintain said printed piece in a set position in atransporting recess; and forming a second image on said printed piecewhile maintaining said registering relationship.
 2. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein said transporting recess includes a resilientportion, and said applying of a pressure differential urges said printedpiece against said resilient portion.
 3. The method according to claim1, wherein said multiple images are formed on at least one non-planarsurface of said shaped edible pieces.
 4. The method according to claim3, wherein said non-planar surface of said edible piece is maintainedabove a transport surface at said first and said second printingstations.
 5. A method to form multiple images in substantialregistration on shaped edible pieces, said method comprising the stepsof: forming an image on a shaped edible piece to form a printed piece ata first printing station; transporting the printed piece to a secondprinting station and maintaining a registering relationship of saidprinted piece from said first printing station to said second printingstation by trapping said printed piece between a portion of atransporting recess and a retaining member; and forming a second imageon said printed piece while maintaining said registering relationship.6. The method according to claim 5, wherein said transporting recessincludes a resilient portion, and said trapping urges said printed pieceagainst said resilient portion.
 7. The method according to claim 5,wherein said multiple images are formed on at least one non-planarsurface of said shaped edible pieces.
 8. The method according to claim7, wherein said non-planar surface of said shaped edible piece ismaintained above a transport surface at said first and said secondprinting stations.
 9. A method to form multiple images in substantialregistration on a shaped edible piece, said method comprising the stepsof: retaining a shaped edible piece against a recess formed on atransporting surface by applying a pressure differential to a portion ofsaid shaped edible piece effective to urge said shaped edible pieceagainst said recess; forming a first image on said shaped edible pieceto form a printed piece at a first printing station; and forming asecond image on said printed piece while maintaining a registeringrelationship of said first image to said second image.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein said recess includes a resilient portion,and said applying of a pressure differential urges said edible pieceagainst said resilient portion.
 11. The method according to claim 9,wherein said multiple images are formed on at least one non-planarsurface of said shaped edible piece.
 12. The method according to claim11, wherein said non-planar surface of said shaped edible piece ismaintained above said transporting surface at said first and said secondprinting stations.
 13. A method to form multiple images in substantialregistration on a shaped edible piece, said method comprising the stepsof: trapping said shaped edible piece between a portion of a recess anda retaining member; forming a first image on said edible piece to form aprinted piece at a first printing station; and forming a second image onsaid printed piece while maintaining a registering relationship of saidfirst image to said second image.
 14. The method according to claim 13,wherein said recess includes a resilient portion, and said trappingurges said shaped edible piece against said resilient portion.
 15. Themethod according to claim 13, wherein said multiple images are formed onat least one non-planar surface of said shaped edible piece.
 16. Themethod according to claim 15, wherein said non-planar surface of saidshaped edible piece is maintained above said transporting surface atsaid first and said second printing stations.
 17. An apparatus forprinting a multicolor image formed from at least two component images ona multitude of shaped edible pieces, said apparatus comprising: a firstprinting station effective to print a first component image on saidpieces at a first printing position; a second printing station effectiveto print a subsequent second component image on said pieces at a secondprinting position; a transporting surface for moving said pieces fromsaid first printing position to said second printing position, whereinsaid transporting surface includes a plurality of transporting recessportions; and at least one retaining member for each transporting recessportion effective to removably trap said pieces in said transportingrecess portions to maintain a registering relationship of said firstcomponent image and said second component image.
 18. The apparatusaccording to claim 17, wherein said transporting recess portions areadapted to position a non-planar surface of said pieces above saidtransporting surface.
 19. The apparatus of claim 17, further including aretaining plate, wherein portions of said retaining plate form saidretaining members, and said retaining plate moves cooperatively withsaid transporting surface to trap said pieces in said transportingrecess portions.
 20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein saidtransporting recess portions each includes an opening through which saidretaining member extends to trap said pieces in said transporting recessportions.
 21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said transportingrecess portions each includes a resilient portion, and said retainingmember urges said pieces against said resilient portions.
 22. Theapparatus of claim 17, wherein said retaining member includes aresilient portion, and said retaining member urges said pieces againstsaid resilient portions.
 23. An edible shaped piece having a multicolorcomposite image formed from at least two component images of edibleprinting ink deposited on at least one non-planar surface of the edibleshaped piece.
 24. The edible shaped piece according to claim 23, whereinsaid edible piece is a shaped confectionery piece or pharmaceuticalcapsule, tablet or caplet.
 25. The edible shaped piece according toclaim 23, wherein said shaped confectionery piece has a lentil, oval orspherical shape.
 26. The edible shaped piece according to claim 23,wherein said shaped confectionery is a sugar shell coated confectionery.27. A method for forming a registered image on a shaped edible piece,the method comprising: positioning a shaped edible piece within a shapedtransporting recess of a transporting surface such that the shapededible piece occupies a predetermined position within the shapedtransporting recess; forming a first component of a composite image onthe shaped edible piece while in the predetermined position at a firstprinting station; transporting the shaped edible piece to a secondprinting position, downstream of the first printing station; applying apressure differential to a vacuum hole in communication with thetransporting recess to maintain the shaped edible piece in thepredetermined position within the transporting recess while the ediblepiece is at and transported between the first and second positions; andforming a second component of said composite image on the edible piecewhile in the predetermined position, said first and second compositeimages being substantially registered with one another.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 27, wherein positioning of the shaped edible pieceincludes positioning the edible piece in the transporting recess suchthat a non-planar portion of the edible piece protrudes above thetransporting surface.
 29. The method according to claim 27, furthercomprising positioning the vacuum hole at a deepest portion of saidshaped pocket.
 30. The method according to claim 27, further comprising,positioning the vacuum hole on a side wall of the shaped pocket.
 31. Themethod according to claim 27, wherein said applying said pressuredifferential includes applying a first pressure differential at saidfirst and second printing stations and a second pressure differential,less than the first pressure differential, between the first and secondprinting stations.
 32. The method according to claim 27, wherein saidpositioning of said shaped piece includes laterally and longitudinallypositioning said shaped piece within said transporting recess so as toprevent skewing and yawing.
 33. An apparatus for forming a registeredimage on a shaped edible piece, the apparatus comprising: a transportsurface including at least one shaped recess and a vacuum holepositioned within the shaped recess, said edible piece being laterally,longitudinally and rotationally positioned within the shaped recess at apredetermined position; a first printer station at a first positionalong a transport path that forms a first component image on the shapedpiece while in the predetermined position; a second printer stationdownstream from the first position that forms a second component of saidcomposite image on the edible piece in registration with the firstcomponent image of the composite image; and a vacuum pump incommunication with and applying a pressure differential to the vacuumhole to maintain the edible piece in the predetermined position withinthe recess while the edible piece is at and between the first and secondprint stations.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein anon-planar portion of said edible piece protrudes above the transportsurface.
 35. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the vacuumhole is positioned at a deepest portion of said shaped recess.
 36. Theapparatus according to claim 33, wherein the vacuum hole is positionedon a side wall of the shaped recess.
 37. The apparatus according toclaim 33, further comprising a valve system connected to the vacuum pumpthat applies a first pressure differential at the print stations and asecond pressure differential, less that the first pressure differential,between the print stations.
 38. The apparatus according to claim 33,further comprising a vacuum plenum system between the shaped recessesand the vacuum pump and disposed below the transport path.
 39. Theapparatus according to claim 38, wherein the vacuum plenum systemincludes first and second portions that extend transverse to thetransport path below the first and second print stations, respectively,and a third portion including sub-plenums that extend parallel to thetransport path between the first and second print stations.
 40. Theapparatus according to claim 39, wherein the first and second portionsof the plenum system are subject to first and second pressuredifferentials and that are substantially equal, and the third portion ofthe plenum system is subject to a third pressure differential less thanthe first and second pressure differentials.
 41. The apparatus accordingto claim 39, wherein the transport surface comprises at least onecarrier bar including a row of shaped recesses identical to said atleast one shaped recess, wherein said first and second portions or theplenum system are dimensional to have widths substantially equal to awidth of the row of shaped recesses on the carrier bar.
 42. Theapparatus according to claim 41, wherein each of said sub-plenums insaid third portion of said plenum system corresponds to one of saidshaped recesses in said row.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 33,wherein said transporting recess portion includes a resilient portion.44. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said apparatuscomprises a multi-lane system and total output of said apparatus is atleast 1,000 pieces per lane per hour.
 45. The apparatus according toclaim 33, wherein said first printing station or said second printingstation comprises an offset printer.
 46. The apparatus according toclaim 33, wherein said first printing station or said second printingstation comprises an inkjet printer.
 47. A carrier bar comprising: amain body including an upper surface and a lower surface; at least oneshaped recess formed within said main body along said upper surface,said shaped recess including a shallow and a deep end; and at least onevacuum hole formed in said lower surface and that communicates with saiddeep end of the shaped recess.
 48. The carrier bar according to claim47, wherein said vacuum hole is positioned at a lowermost portion ofsaid deep end.
 49. The carrier bar according to claim 47, wherein saidvacuum hole is positioned along a back side of the deep end.
 50. Thecarrier bar according to claim 47, wherein leading and trailing sides ofthe bar are provided with a tongue and a groove, respectively.
 51. Thecarrier bar according to claim 47, wherein leading and trailing sides ofthe cattle bar have a stepped configuration.
 52. The carrier baraccording to claim 47, wherein the lower surface of the carrier barincludes a mounting flange that mates with a receiving groove of acarrier bar transport system.
 53. The carrier bar according to claim 47,wherein at least two vacuum holes are provided for each said at leastone shaped pocket.
 54. The carrier bar according to claim 47, furthercomprising a resilient member provided in said deep end adjacent saidvacuum hole.
 55. The carrier bar according to claim 54, wherein theresilient member is an O-ring that surrounds said vacuum hole.
 56. Thecarrier bar according to claim 47, wherein each shaped recess is formedat least in part by a sleeve that reciprocates in a directionperpendicular to the upper and lower surfaces of the carrier bar. 57.The carrier bar according, to claim 47, wherein each shaped recessincludes a porous resilient Portion.
 58. The carrier bar according toclaim 47, wherein each shaped pocket includes guide-structure capable oflongitudinally, laterally and rotationally positioning articles receivedwithin the shaped recess in a predetermined position.